Introduction
Fashion and women go together and every item popularized by the fairer sex has some sort of history. For example, fox fur scarves for women’s have been in vogue since Renaissance amongst European women. This particular accessory was initially used by women as a modest necessity till the middle of 20th century when the stylish French women made fox fur scarves for women’s an essential part of their wardrobe.
Gaining Popularity
The respectable and affluent women of the society during the 15th century used to drape these scarves around their shoulders to signify their chastity. The scarves were different then. The animal head and the muzzle were left intact. Moreover, the muzzle used to be adorned with gold and jewels. In countries like Britain and Germany these scarves used to be known as ‘fleapelts’ because fleas instead of affecting the wearer were attracted to the hide.
Even during the Victorian era starting from the 18th century and continuing up to the 19th century, fox fur scarves for women’s had the animal head intact along with paws. At that time, fur coats with a fur exterior were much sought after in England and teaming the same with fur scarves became a hot trend. Even ordinary women aspired and also could obtain this fashion accessory. That was a time when leading French fashion designers like Paquin and Poiret created their collections with fur.
With the entry of fashion designer Pierre Balmain into the Paris fashion industry in 1945, things began to get even more fashionable. He opened his store which began to offer luxurious styles with ample doses of modern fashion. He particularly focused on luxury fabrics which included furs. The designs created by him were highly appreciated by one and all including Gertrude Stein. The ‘New French Style’ designs developed by Balmain not only took fur scarves to the next level but also became a rage amongst the fashion conscious French women.
Getting Out-of-Fashion
However, fox fur scarves for women’s rise to fame began to diminish gradually towards the last part of the 20th century as animal rights groups became more vociferous against ruthless fur farming practices. People began to shun clothing and accessories made with fur and it rapidly went out of fashion. Although the French continued using fur in their traditional luxury fashion items, in countries like the UK and US, its use was disapproved quickly. Moreover, in European Union countries as well as the UK, fur production was termed illegal and has been outlawed. On the other hand, in France, fur farming of some animals that includes foxes and minks has not been termed illegal yet creating a controversy.
Fur based fashion clothing may have become passé but its lure is still there otherwise fashion designers would not have come up with their synthetic fur range of clothing and accessories. Nevertheless, it can be summed up that once upon a time in Europe fox fur scarves for women’s did have a glorious run.